$150,000 raised for research into prevention of premature and stillbirth

03 December 18
- Media Release

In a bid to raise funds and awareness of premature and stillbirth, a partner at national law firm Holding Redlich has created and held a gala ball attended by over 400 people and raising $150,000.

Dispute resolution and litigation partner Alexandra Tighe, based in Holding Redlich’s Melbourne office, was inspired to create the event as part of a series of fund-raising efforts held in the memory of her son Jack who was lost to premature birth.

In other initiatives, Alexandra last year and this year raised over $35,000 as a result of running two full marathons.

The Mercy Hospital Silver Wattle Gala Ball was held at the heritage listed Myer Mural Hall.

“All funds raised go to research into prevention of premature and stillbirth by the wonderful Mercy Perinatal team at the Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne,” Alexandra said. “I am thrilled to say that over 400 guests attended the event and we raised $150,000. After costs and expenses, this will result in a huge donation to Mercy Perinatal for their critical research. It is a little known fact that over 2,000 babies die from premature birth or stillbirth in Australia each year.”

The event was run by a volunteer committee made up of other mothers: “All of these volunteer mums appreciate the importance of research and want to give back as a show of thanks for their own healthy families.”

Holding Redlich was a corporate sponsor of the night, with 10 partners, staff and clients attending the event, including Holding Redlich’s Melbourne managing partner Howard Rapke.